THE United Nation’s Secretary General’s Campaign, “UNiTE to End Violence against Women”, has designated the bright and optimistic colour of orange to symbolise a better future for the women of the world, to notify that Violence against women and girls is not inevitable, and to indicate that prevention in this regard is both possible and essential.

The “International Day to End Violence against Women” is commemorated worldwide on November 25. The day also kicks off the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,” an international campaign which runs until 10 December (Human Rights Day).

Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic. Women are beaten in their homes, harassed on the streets, and bullied on the Internet. Sexual and gender-based violence is the most extreme form of the global and systemic inequality experienced by women and girls. Worldwide, one in three women will suffer physical or sexual violence at some point in her life.

In Guyana, it is now accepted that domestic violence is widespread, and that its perpetrators disregard race and socio-economic circumstances. Education Minister, Priya Manickchand has pledged to raise awareness of the harmful effects of violence against women in observance of the “16 Days of Activism”. She calls on individuals and groups to mobilise and sustain the fight to eliminate violence against women and girls.
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has called for an end to the silence surrounding violence against women. While Women and girls experience violence in all countries, these crimes often remain unreported and hidden. That is why this year’s “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women” is centred on a grassroots effort to raise awareness. That effort is called “Orange Your Neighbourhood”.

“Everyone has a responsibility to prevent and end violence against women and girls, starting by challenging the culture of discrimination that allows it to continue. We have to condemn all acts of violence, establish equality in our work and home lives, and change the everyday experience of women and girls,” the Secretary-General has said in his message to observe the day.

Take the UNiTE campaign to local streets, shops and businesses, between November 25 and December 10, 2014. Small indications such as messages that project awareness, tying orange ribbons where allowed, and wearing orange today will raise awareness about violence against women and girls, and express your support.

Women’s rights were once thought of as women’s business only, but more and more men and boys are becoming true partners in the battle for women’s empowerment.

The UN Secretary-General has urged, “We all have a role to play, and I urge you to play yours. If we stand together in homes, communities, countries and internationally, we can challenge discrimination and put a stop to the mindsets and customs that encourage, ignore or tolerate the global disgrace of violence against women and girls.”